Well, this is my first Monday posting while in school. Yippee. It also happens to be Labor Day. Busy weekend. Oh, and I applied to the university for spring. I'm excited.
Anyway, my thanks go out to Dark Rage195, FiringShootingStar, Rapis-Razuri, Mixer18, AnimeKiwi369, RobotFish, Shinn Tsukishiro, theforgottenpeople96, RunoandAkizafan, and LittleKrus for their reviews!
And anons this week are LDC, Mariah, name, PDS, ChibiX, and one guest! LDC: Hehe, yeah, the official meeting between Yusei and Hideo will be something to see :) Enter at least one more fluffy scene before everything goes down. Mariah: Yep! You got the right guess! Awesome job and here's the new chapter! name: Thanks! PDS: Haha, no problem! Read when you can! The fic will be here :) ChibiX: Hm, interesting take you've got there. Let's see how it all plays out, shall we?
As always, many thanks to my awesome beta, RobotFish!
Enjoy!
Sunset Horizon
Chapter 21 – Chasing Shadows
Yusei sat on the floor in his home with the other Enforcers, Akiza settled comfortably between his legs, and frowned as he glanced around at the others. Jack sat back in one of the desk chairs, Crow sat on the desk in front of him, and Kalin was seated comfortably on the floor a few paces from him. Inhaling a deep breath, he leaned back against the wall and wrapped his arms around Akiza's waist before saying, "Do you guys know about Roman?"
Kalin nodded once, while Jack and Crow shook their heads. Yusei nodded understandingly before addressing Kalin, "That's right. You met him, didn't you?"
The white-haired man dipped his chin in affirmation. "Only twice. I moved away soon after you started meeting him."
Crow leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "So, who is this Roman guy?"
Yusei sighed. "He was my next-door neighbor while I was growing up. He was the man who taught me how to smith and gave me guidance after my mother died. He…" He paused, averting his gaze while absently combing his fingers through Akiza's hair. "I have no doubt that he's also the new governor."
Jack's eyebrow rose, but he made no further comment as Kalin piped up, "What makes you think that?"
"When I went into the estate yesterday to 'help' Akiza, I found the first gun I ever made on display inside. Roman is the only person who could possibly have it in his possession. And, trust me, I know it's mine. I recognize every gun I forge." Shaking his head, he continued, "I don't know why he's here or what he's after, but I wanted you guys to know that much. If I figure anything else out, you'll be the first to know."
They nodded in unison. Yusei was grateful his friends understood him so well. No questions about why he didn't tell them before, no berating his judgment, no laughing at his vulnerability on the subject. He knew he'd chosen a good family.
…
Jack sat back in his usual seat at the Dragon's Claw, sipping his gin as he pondered that thief's words. What did she mean, he was just an empty man? What did that bitch know about him, anyway? Sighing, he took another drink and glanced around the room, taking in the sight of Yusei and Crow messing around with Leo and Annie while Kalin sat at the bar and watched in humor.
He frowned and thought through his options. He could either suck up his pride and ask for help, or he could continue to be verbally emasculated by a crazy woman.
He thought the help option would be slightly better.
He shifted to stand and carried his glass over to the counter before setting it down—Yusei had gotten pretty anal about making sure they brought their glasses over—and walking over to stand behind Kalin. "Hey. I need a favor."
His friend's eyebrow rose as he murmured, "Oh?"
...
Yusei made his way up to the bar counter with a tray full of used glasses and set it down next to Akiza. He never could deny her when she asked a favor. Max was out with a fever for the past two days, so she asked him to help out a little. He didn't do much, just gather a few glasses or wipe some tables. She flashed a smile over her shoulder towards him in a silent thank-you as he leaned closer and kissed her lips quickly. "Hey, will you be all right for awhile?"
She pursed her lips in thought and asked, "How come?"
He set his hands on her hips and moved up behind her, tugging her close to him. "Jack asked me for some help with something. He said it could take a few hours."
She wiggled her hips a little to grind her bottom against him before glancing over her shoulder. "Is it dangerous?"
He shook his head. "Nope. He said it'll be nothing."
Finally, she gave a smile before turning to nuzzle her nose against his. "All right. Will you be back before bed?"
He stole a quick kiss before murmuring, "Probably not. If it gets too late, I'll just crash at my old place, okay? There's nothing to worry about, I promise."
She drew back slightly and averted her gaze. "All right, then. Be careful, Yusei."
"Tell you what," he said, touching two fingers to her chin and lifting her eyes back to his. "Tomorrow, we'll do whatever you want. You name it, we'll do it. Okay?"
A dark smirk crossed her lips as she leaned closer to mumble against his, "Careful what you promise."
A similar smile fell on his face as he tugged her a little closer. "If it's you I'm with, then I have no regrets."
She hummed a light laugh and drew away from him, saying, "Go on. I'll be fine here."
He nodded and kissed her one more time before stepping back. "All right. If nothing else, I'll be back in the morning."
He walked backwards towards the door, not wanting to leave her but knowing he was being foolish. Nothing would happen and it was only a night. Kalin's words the other night had held a fraction of truth when he'd said Yusei was spoiled by sex. He knew, within the shadow of a doubt, that it wasn't the sex that spoiled him so much as Akiza's love. Yes, the nights they spent in a fiery embrace were extraordinary moments that left him energized and wanting for more, but they were only that powerful because of the love they shared.
He knew, if he had been like Jack and jumped into bed with any random girl who showed interest in him, then it wouldn't mean nearly as much. It wouldn't feel as right as it did because it wouldn't have been an act of mutual love. It was as he told Akiza all that time ago. He loved her and wanted to hold her, not simply have sex with her.
Shaking his head, he finally got to the door and, with one last wink and a wave, he headed outside back to his former home. Jack had asked, in his own, demanding way, for all of them to gather there so he could tell them something. He wasn't sure what that meant, but he would do as his friend asked. Wandering down the street, he headed down the familiar streets, just realizing it had been over a week since he'd been back there.
Things had changed, that was for sure. Sometimes, he wondered if his brothers held a grudge against him for living with Akiza, but then he decided he didn't care. He still drank with them in the bar and played cards when they were all around. The only thing that had changed was where he slept. And the fact that Akiza let him pull her to his lap when she made her rounds. He had to admit, the changes over the past few months were for the best.
He pushed the door to his old home open and walked inside, glancing around to find the other three already there. "Am I late?" he asked casually, not really caring if he was as he clambered up to his bunk and laid back.
Kalin shook his head. "Jack said sundown, so I'd say you're fine."
Crow raised his arms over his head as a ferocious yawn tore from his mouth. "So, come on, man. What's up?"
Jack leaned back in his desk chair and crossed his arms behind his head, muttering, "We have a problem."
Yusei sat up and muttered, "Is it my fault?"
"Everything's about you," Crow grumbled with a roll of his eyes.
"Yeah?" he challenged. "Clearly, it's not about you since you never mentioned you had a girlfriend."
He jumped to his feet, glaring, "What do you mean? I don't have a girl!"
He leaned back and grinned. "Then who exactly is Luna to you?"
Shock crossed his features as his stance relaxed. When he finally spoke, his voice sounded wary, "How do you know about her?"
Kalin ran a hand down his face. "Geez… Has everyone been keeping secrets here?"
Yusei shifted to sit up and braced his hand on the ceiling to the bunk above him. "Relax, Crow. Luna's a friend of Akiza's and Leo's sister. Did you really think I wouldn't hear about her?"
He turned away and crossed his arms. "What did they say about me and her?"
He shrugged slightly. "Just that you were best friends. I kind of went out on a limb when I said she was your girlfriend."
"Well, she's not," he shot, anger in his eyes. "She's like my sister, okay? Nothing like that."
"All right, all right," he muttered, raising his hands defensively. "I get it."
He shifted to sit back down and crossed his arms in a huff. "Anyway, what'd you want, Jack?"
The blond sat back with his eyebrows raised, curiously watching the exchange. He shook his head, snapping to attention, and reiterated, "As I said, we have a problem."
Kalin sighed. "And that is…?"
"Do you recall that thief that was getting in the way last spring?"
Crow let out another yawn and stretched his hands behind his head. "I remember a thief, but I don't remember him getting in the way at all…"
Yusei grinned, knowing his friend was just baiting the other. But he was curious to know what was going on. "What about him, Jack?"
He gave a slight cough and leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. "She's causing trouble."
Kalin shook his head as the other two spoke in unison, but with differing levels of volume, "She?"
"Ohh…" Crow muttered, grinning mischievously at his friend. "So that's what this is about."
Jack slammed his fist down on the desk and snarled, "It's not that, you half-assed birdbrain! The woman is bloody insane!"
Yusei listened quietly for a moment before asking in all seriousness, "You've spoken with her?"
He turned back to him and nodded a confirmation before saying, "She has an agenda in this town, but I haven't figured out what it is yet."
"What did she say to you?" he asked. He kept his voice level, his tone carrying his concern for his friend's issue. He was the one who had known Jack the longest, so he had a better idea of how to treat him. His friend was egotistical and hated when others judged him. For something that riled him up so much, it was best to trust him and let him take control of the situation. He was a blueblood, and it showed.
Jack sighed, glad that one of his friends was taking him seriously. "She offered a threat, then we engaged in a tussle."
Kalin held up his hand as means of interrupting, then said, "Okay, I'm trying to take this seriously, but what kind of tussle are you talking about?"
He glared. "We fought. Look, will you help me take her down or not?"
Yusei leaned back with a smirk. "What are friends for?"
…
Jack walked down the street, holding his hat down over his eyes. The night air left a chill around him, keeping his flesh nice and cool in contrast to the hot daylight, and he found himself enjoying it.
"So, you changed your mind, eh?"
A smirk fell on his lips as he turned up to face the rooftops. "No, I still want you dead, bitch."
Her lips curled into a smile as she gracefully hopped down from the top of a two-story building, landing neatly on her feet. "Too bad for you, then. Because I don't plan to die."
He coughed a sound of disbelief. "The choice isn't yours."
She sauntered closer with a seductive sway to her hips. "Is that so?"
He nodded and drew Archfiend from its holster. "I wouldn't have said it if it weren't true."
"Oh, Jackie," she cackled, raising her fingers to her lips to hide her laugh poorly. "You can't beat me. Don't you remember how I literally threw you off your feet last time we met?"
His lips curled into a smirk. "Don't worry, I recall. But I came prepared this time."
Her eyebrow rose. "Oh, really?"
He nodded. "Mm. You have a strength and speed that doesn't make sense. You move faster than the wind and could probably be to the Capital in less than three days. But you're still only one person."
"Last I checked, so were you," she said, crossing her arms.
A gunshot rang out in the distance and she seemed to vanish, racing away at a high speed. She stopped a few feet away, glaring at the tree just past where she stood as leaves fell from the bullet. A smirk crossed her lips again as she stood up straight and crossed her arms. "Brought friends, did you? Carly mentioned that the Enforcers stuck together, but I didn't believe her."
Three more shots echoed in the late night as she darted around, dodging them easily. Jack had never seen a person move so quickly. She was like a black blur in the night, barely visible until she paused for a moment. Jack raised Archfiend to take a shot, but stepped back to catch his balance as a boot slammed into his chin and knocked him back. He gripped his weapon and moved to aim again, but felt the toe of a boot crack painfully into his arm, forcing him to drop it.
Her weight slammed into him, knocking him to his back as she straddled his hips for the second time that week. He didn't even like having girls on top of him when he was in bed with them. He preferred to be in charge.
Her fingers trailed along his chin teasingly as she smirked, saying, "It's good to see you again, Jackie."
He snarled and gripped at her wrists, trying to force her hands off of him. He pushed with all his strength, trying to remove her grip on his shirt but found her hold to be firm and unmovable. He wasn't all that surprised. She'd kicked him to the ground before in one shot before, so why should he be surprised she could hold him down? The crazy woman had some strong muscle, that was for sure.
Her smile widened as she leaned closer, pausing when her lips were right next to his. "So, tell me, Jackie. Are you sure you made up your mind?"
He inwardly cursed, knowing the other Enforcers were witness to this humiliation. Just then, and idea crossed into his mind and he forced a chuckle before letting his lips curl into a smile. "I am. But you should know that I don't like the bottom."
Acting was not his strong point.
The woman's eyes glinted with lust in the night as she closed the small distance between them, kissing him full on the lips. He let his natural instincts take over and kissed her back, angling his chin to make the most of the action from his place still pinned down.
She drew back slightly and whispered, "Sorry. I like to be on top, too."
She leaned down for another kiss, but paused and let out a small grunt before falling forward, unconscious. Jack glanced past her to find Crow standing there with an amused grin on his face and Black-Winged Dragon in his hand, held by the barrel so he could club someone with the butt. A chuckle fell past his lips as he doubled over, muttering, "Man, Jack. You weren't kidding when you said the girl was insane. I mean, she's coming onto you, of all people."
"Oh, shut up," he grumbled, shifting to stand while throwing her over his shoulder. "When she wakes up, I have a few questions for her."
Yusei and Kalin approached from opposite directions and holstered their guns before the former said, "Wow. I admit, that is probably the most crazy I've seen in one person."
Kalin nodded his agreement. "The only one that comes relatively close is Sayer."
The raven-haired leader shot a look at his friend as if to say, 'never speak that name again,' causing Kalin to throw his hands up in surrender.
Jack didn't care. He had what he wanted. Now, he just needed to find some chains to hold her down so he could talk to her.
…
Jack sat back in a desk chair, pulled around the corner of the room as he stared at his bunk with his arms crossed. Lying inside, the thief girl slept sprawled out on his bedding. He tried to dump her in Crow's bed so he could have his own, but the orange-haired man had adamantly refused. So Jack had stayed up the entire night and watched her to make sure she didn't get away. He could have thrown her in Yusei's empty bunk, but the man had chosen that night of all nights to spend the night there.
Sighing, he flipped Archfiend in his hand for the umpteenth time, his eyes staying on the girl. He'd be ready for her. She had thick chains cuffing her hands together and Jack had taken the liberty of shackling her ankles to the bed so she wouldn't be able to run. Unless she was strong enough to break free from wrought-iron chains, which he sincerely doubted.
A light hum sounded from her as she started to wake, causing Jack to snap to attention and point Archfiend at her threateningly. She shifted to sit with a massive yawn before muttering, "Slept like a log!"
He paused. Something wasn't right. She looked around the room and moved to wipe her eyes, brushing the sleep out of them before finally registering the sight of Jack sitting there. He was glaring and pointing a gun at her, slowly raising his lip into a snarl. She fell backwards, cowering against the wall and raising her hands to hide her face with a slight scream. Only then did she realize her wrists were cuffed together, causing her to scream louder.
Yusei and Kalin appeared to Jack's right as Crow fell out of his bunk in shock. Jack didn't let up his glower as he snapped, "What's your name?"
She slowly peeked around her hands, tears flooding her gaze before whispering, "J-Jack… Atlas… By Crimson, what happened last night?"
Kalin coughed into his sleeve before Jack could answer and asked, "You don't remember?"
She shifted to slam her hands down on the bed in front of her, screaming through her tears and newly rising anger, "I woke up in the bed of Jack Atlas! What am I supposed to think?"
Yusei walked over to her and reached out, setting his hand on hers. "Calm down. I can promise that didn't happen. We were all here."
She shook her head before pausing to stare at the leader. "You… You're…"
Jack shifted to stand and snarled, "For the love of Crimson! I want a bloody answer!"
Yusei raised a hand to silence him before turning to face him and saying, "Give it a rest, Jack. It's obvious she doesn't remember. I'm going to go get Akiza. She might be able to help in this situation."
Crow finally managed to pull himself off the floor and ran his hand through his hair. "Wait, you think she's…?"
"Isn't it obvious?" he muttered, grabbing a hat from the shelf and pulling it on. "The intense strength, the speed like lightning, her lack of memory this morning… It all adds up to something supernatural, and I think Akiza's as close to an expert as we have in town."
Jack scowled. He didn't like this. Yusei always seemed to bring his girl into everything. But he supposed it might mean finding out about her black eyes and powers. Now that he thought about it, he realized her eyes were colored normally now, grey irises centered on white.
Just who was this girl?
…
He sat back in his chair, the old wood creaking under his weight as he shifted to settle his feet on the desk next to him. A single oil lamp lit the room, keeping it dim as he reached into his pocket and removed a match. Lighting it on his leather holster, he brought it closer and lit the cigarette between his lips.
He waved the match to extinguish it, then flicked it towards the wastebasket before taking a long drag on the tobacco. He exhaled and closed his eyes as the smoke escaped his lips, leaning back further in his chair before lowly calling out, "Lester."
Light footsteps sounded down the hall before the figure of a young teen appeared in the doorway, just barely visible in the dim lighting, before a voice muttered, "Yes, Sir?"
"I have a job for you, and you probably aren't going to like it."
Lester nodded and said, "Like it or not, I'll do it."
A grin crossed his features as he slipped the cigarette between his lips and inhaled again. "Atta boy, Lester. See, I owe a favor in a little town called New Domino. I want you to go and fulfill it. Your contact will meet with you and give you the details."
Tucking a hand against his chest, he bowed slightly and replied, "As you wish."
"Go get ready. You leave tomorrow morning. I already spoke to Jakob about it. He thinks you're ready, too."
"I understand," he muttered, then turned and left out the door, the light sound of footsteps echoing behind him.
The man shook his head with a sigh and called after him, "Pick up your feet, Lester! I can still hear you!"
So, this chapter leaves us with a confused Jack, split-personality Carly, and a mysterious ending! Any guesses on that final scene? I'd love to hear it!
Oh, and with your permission, I was thinking I would like to repost all the deleted reviews as anonymous with the corresponding name as the anon fill-in. I would just be copy-pasting from my e-mail alerts, so it would be exactly what you posted weeks ago. I won't post any without the original reviewer's permission, though. Well, I may just post all the guest ones, anyway. If you would rather do it yourself as a signed review, I can just copy-paste your messages to a PM and send them to you, so let me know, please? Thanks!
And, of course, please review!
-Valk